The annual Amarnath Yatra began early on Friday, with first batches of pilgrims leaving the twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine. The 57-day yatra will continue till August 28, with security arrangements in place for its smooth conduct. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had flagged off the first batch of over 4,809 pilgrims on Thursday.